Professional Monitors

Gb_ksu,

They do look like a bargain. However, this reflex port design in a very small box speaker (6.5" woofer) will be unlikely to give you accurate bass. (i.e. you can't have your cake and eat it....great value will come at a little compromise)

I haven't seen measurements of the Solo6, however the bass design appears reminiscent of the Chorus 706, except Solo6 is an active design.

If I was buying the Chorus 706 then I would be concerned about the THD+N from 50 to 250 Hz from this small woofer and reflex design. (in percentage terms the THD+N distortion is around 20% in the bass up into the lower mid range)

The Solo6 may be a different animal (much better perhaps?), however, as they say, if it looks to good to be true...

I'd definitely investigate these first.

Bob,

I suspect the dip occurs at resonance of box and driver system (see the impedance curve). The port looks like it is tuned around 40 HZ (low impedance point) to get better bass extension - this will introduce phase delays around that frequency and affect the transient response.

You are right that a small speaker and a separate sub tends to get better results (like the NHT XD). There are also some monitors that are small without reflex ports that will sound more accurate in the bass and lower mid (but at a risk of sounding a bit bass shy). Alternatively a bigger box speaker is the way to go.

However, I felt that the JM Lab Chorus 706 distortion extended too far up into the lower mid range for comfort (but you can't be too picky with a $450 price tag which makes it a real bargain).

I just suggested to investigate the Solo6 based on its superficial similarity to the Chorus 706. The "pro" monikor and active design suggests it should be better...